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Rare Colt Model 1878 Double Action "Omnipotent" Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 9,500.00 USD
Rare Colt Model 1878 Double Action  Omnipotent  Revolver
This is a very rare example of a Colt 1878 D.A. "OMNIPOTENT " marked revolver that was manufactured in 1881. The left side of the barrel is acid etched "OMNIPOTENT" in a panel. The "Omnipotent" markings are found only on .45 caliber Model 1878 D.A. revolvers sold by B. Kittredge & Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio. Kittredge sold an estimated 174 "Omnipotent" marked Model 1878 D.A. revolvers between 1878 and 1882. "Omnipotent" marked Model 1878 D.A. revolvers are very scarce. This revolver is illustrated on page 239 of "COLT'S DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER MODEL of 1878" by Don Wilkerson. The revolver has a nickel-plated finish with niter blue trigger and hammer top and two-piece, black, hard rubber, 'bird's head' grips. The grips are checkered and have the Rampant Colt trademark in ovals. The left side of the barrel has the "OMNIPOTENT" trade mark in an acid-etched, oblong, panel. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. "45 CAL" is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The full serial number, "4908" is stamped on the butt in front of the lanyard loop. The rear face of the cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "908" between the chambers and "908" is stamped on the back of the loading gate. All of the visible serial numbers match. Colt "T" and "S" sub-inspection marks are also stamped on the rear face of the cylinder between the chambers.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: nickel
Grips: hard rubber
Serial Number: 4908


Very fine. The revolver retains approximately 60% of the original nickel-plated finish. The top of the barrel has been lightly cleaned and there is some flaking on the top of the ejector housing. The niter blue finish on the hammer and trigger has faded to a dark patina. The hard rubber grips are in fine condition; the right grip has faded to medium brown as a result of sun exposure. The delicate, acid-etched, "OMNIPOTENT" marking is strong. This is a very fine, well documented, known example of the very scarce and desirable "OMINIPOTENT" marked Colt 1878 Double Action revolver.